Savor the delightful combination of tender chicken and fresh asparagus in this quick and easy stir-fry. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings together the aromatic flavors of garlic and ginger with the succulence of chicken, all complemented by the crispness of asparagus. Serve it with rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
Place the chicken breasts in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. Once slightly firm, thinly slice them against the grain into strips.
In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with half of the garlic and ginger, soy sauce, sugar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon salt. Allow it to marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix the remaining cornstarch with the chicken broth or water.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the asparagus, scallions, remaining garlic, ginger, and 1/4 cup of water. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir-fry until the asparagus turns bright green but retains its crunch, approximately 3 minutes. Transfer the veggies to a bowl.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining oil. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it's no longer pink and slightly browned, about 3 minutes.
Return the asparagus mix to the skillet, stirring to combine. Add the reserved cornstarch mixture, bringing it to a boil to thicken the sauce.
Serve the stir-fry on a platter or divide among 4 plates. Complement with your choice of rice.
Special Notes & Tips:
- Marination Magic: Allowing the chicken to marinate enhances its flavor, making it more succulent and tasty.
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for a different twist.
- Rice Recommendation: This dish pairs wonderfully with both brown and white rice. Choose according to your preference.